More than 800,000 Americans live in some form of residential care. There are more than 30,000 such communities available in the U.S., with varying services, amenities, and price points, which can make choosing one feel overwhelming.
Understanding the costs of assisted living can be complex. Yet it is vital to ensure that you or your loved one is getting the services you need at a fair price.
This article covers the factors that can impact the cost of senior living facilities. Keep reading to learn about variables that can influence price so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
Location
According to the National Council on Aging, the average cost of assisted living in the United States is approximately $4,500 per month, or about $54,000 a year. However, this can easily go up or down depending on different factors.
Location is one of the biggest variables that can impact assisted living costs. One reason has to do with the cost of living. Just like the same goods and services cost more in one region of the country than others, so can assisted living.
Likewise, you might expect to pay slightly more in urban areas than in rural ones. This also applies to property taxes, care insurance, salaries, and other costs incurred by senior care centers.
Another reason location is a factor is that assisted living facilities are regulated by states. This can impact a facility’s assisted living expenses associated with regulatory compliance and licensing. For instance, states vary on the minimum amount of living space per resident they require.
Healthcare Supervision Needs
There are many distinct levels of healthcare available in assisted living communities. It is important to consider these, along with associated costs.
As the name suggests, independent living is for residents who need minimal assistance. This includes help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and medication management. Residents generally live in private apartments and do not need regular medical supervision.
Assistant living offers help with ADLs, but residents otherwise live independent daily lives. Skilled nursing is when residents require nursing services regularly. Examples include wound care or intravenous therapy.
Rehabilitation services refer to targeted care for specific healthcare needs. This includes physical or occupational therapy. These may be ongoing or required following surgery, illness, or injury.
Memory or dementia services are specialized care for residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or similar neurological impairments. Hospice or end-of-life care is almost always coordinated with outside providers but is often available at assisted living facilities. These balance quality of life with emotional and spiritual support with the individual’s medical needs.
Some communities specialize in one of the above categories, while others provide different tiers of care. The advantage to the latter is that you can shift back and forth between levels as your healthcare needs change.
Generally, you can expect the greater the level of care and supervision, the more expensive the price. However, even if a community offers all the options listed above, you likely will only pay for the type of healthcare supervision you require.
Remember that Medicaid and health insurance may pay for medical-based care at assisted living homes. Be sure to crunch those numbers before you make a final decision.
Floor Plans
Another major factor to consider when understanding the costs of assisted living is the floor plan you choose. Most communities have various options, from houses for independent living to suites and multi-room apartments. This can cost more than a standard room if you prefer a kitchen, balcony, or extra storage space.
Another big variable that can impact the senior care cost is if you plan to live with your spouse. You might assume that this gets you a discount. That may be the case in some communities, but generally, living centers have fewer rooms to accommodate two people.
That means there is higher demand and less availability. It can also mean two different levels of care and supervision for each partner. For these reasons, you may encounter a “second person fee,” which is meant to offset these costs.
Amenities
Unlike many other factors on this list, amenities are not something you choose to pay for. They usually come standard with anyone who will be living in the community.
However, available amenities can vary among assisted living homes, and they can raise the cost. Most provide at least some basic level of housekeeping, laundry, and dining services. Even the level of care and quality can differ from one community to the next.
You will find different recreational opportunities in assisted living homes. Common sports and exercise options might include swimming and water aerobics. You may find yoga and tai chi classes, as well as body-weight exercises.
Some communities will have tennis courts and walking trails. Ask about nature hikes, birdwatching, or other activities that can help get residents outdoors.
Take a look at available arts and crafts opportunities. These might include painting, drawing, knitting, pottery, or other crafting classes.
Also, see if the community offers book clubs or writing and poetry workshops. They might provide music and dance programs, which can help with movement, exercise, and socialization.
Also, look at meal plans. Are food services reputable, and are they able to accommodate any dietary restrictions you might have?
The importance of amenities depends on your unique interests. Be sure to appropriately weigh these extras when determining the value of an assisted living community.
Get More Information About Understanding the Costs of Assisted Living
Understanding the costs of assisted living and the factors that contribute to it will help you make a more informed decision. Remember to compare apples to apples when choosing a community so that you can be certain you are getting the best value for your money. Also, look at assisted living payment options, which could impact your final decision.
Conservatory At Champion Forest is a senior living community in Spring, Texas. We offer resort-style amenities and world-class services at competitive prices. Reach out to us today to schedule a free tour.